2015 Running Away

When considering an appropriate image for the close of 2015, I got stuck on this photo.  To me, it seems to say that time flies as many of us rush from one thing to the next.  And so, as 2015 runs away, may you have a few moments to pause and consider all the blessings in the old year and the opportunities that await in 2016.  

Play!

"In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play."

                                                --Friedrich Nietzsche

Feliz Navidad

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air."

                                                                     --W.T. Ellis

Pass It On

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

                                                              --Charles Dickens

Light in the Darkness

"Let your light shine."

                                                                      --Matthew 5:16

Birthday Boy

Yes, it's that time again for me to post a picture of the world's best husband (in the middle wearing white) and wish him a wonderful birthday.  As seen in this shot, he loves driving one of the family's restored tractors in the annual Edgewood Rodeo Days parade.  Along with his dad, brothers and friends of the family, there is a lengthy line of orange parading through the streets -- and they love it!  If you see him this week, give him a wave and a hearty happy birthday wish.

Seasonal Beauties

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.

To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy,

is to have the real spirit of Christmas"

                                                                        --Calvin Coolidge

La Neblina

Fog

The fog comes

 on little cat feet.

It sits looking

 over harbor and city

 on silent haunches

 and then moves on.

                                     --by Carl Sandburg

Stinky Recognized

Stinky?  Yes, due to the pungent odor of flamingos, this image has an appropriate title.  And, although I am enamored with their beautiful coral hues, this creature done in black and white is captivating.  Below is the shot of my stoic Stinky but also visit https://www.lightspacetime.com/current-online-juried-art-exhibition/ to view several outstanding images of animals, including those in photographs, paintings and more.  Stinky earned Special Merit in this recent online art exhibition.

Stinky by Stephanie Funke

Farewell to November

"November comes and November goes,

With the last red berries and the first white snows.

With night coming early, and dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket and frost by the gate.

The fires burn and the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest until next spring.

                                                                --Elizabeth Coatsworth

A Day of Thanks

11-0

A few months ago very few folks in the Hawkeye state would have predicted that their beloved University of Iowa football team would be 11-0 with one regular-season game remaining.  Wow!  What a delight this has been for fans, not to mention how elated the players and coaches must be.  In addition to the undefeated record, Iowa has earned a trip to Indianapolis to play in the Big 10 Championship.  As a lifelong U of I football aficionada, I just had to share the excitement and include an image taken at the recent night game held at Kinnick Stadium.

What's the Rush?

"A turkey never voted for an early Christmas."

                                                           --Irish Proverb

Heaps of Hostas

Imagine green.  Lots of it.  That's what is missing in this sea of hostas that flood the forest floor.  As I worked with this image, the lighting and green became a distraction; therefore, I chose a black and white format as the viewer can more easily focus on the abundant foliage and patterns of vertical lines created by tree trunks and man-made installations.  Next summer be sure to check out this serene setting at the Dubuque Arboretum.

A Spice for Life

"Art is much less important than life, 

but what a poor life without it."

                                                   --Robert Motherwell

Honoring Veterans

"Our debt to the heroic men and women

in the service of our country can never be repaid.

They have earned our undying gratitude.

America will never forget their sacrifices."

                                                                            --Harry S. Truman

"Dahlia Duo"

Dahlia Duo by Stephanie Funke

In the most recent Light Space & Time Online Gallery "Botanicals" competition, this image was awarded Honorable Mention in the digital media category.  Be sure to visit the following link and take a look at some remarkable pieces of art by some talented individuals. www.lightspacetime.com/current-online-juried-art-exhibition

In mid-August at the Dubuque (Iowa) Arboretum I took these photos.  With an expansive garden full of these blooming beauties, you can imagine I spent quite a bit of time trying to capture their simple elegance. These particular dahlias were orange in color with a yellow center; however, when I converted the image to black and white it was striking and I immediately knew they would remain as such.  

                                                      

Long Live Autumn

"Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

                                                 --George Eliot

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                      --Albert Camus

A Halloween Favorite

"A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles."

                                             --Mignon McLaughlin

Three of a Kind

Aren't these adorable?  And, regardless of the season, the folks who made these delightful creations are always willing to let me photograph their landscaping and outdoor decor.  Although I'm a fan of all their work, these three rakes are some of my favorites -- super creative and so cute.  If you live in the area, cruise by this home and have a look for yourself.  Be sure to notice the necktie worn by the center statue as it's a nod to a famous Iowa artist.  Gotta love it.

"Smoothie in the Sky"

"The sunset faded and blended from pink to peach

 to mango in a smoothie in the sky."

                                                                       --Jarod Kintz

At Backbone State Park

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees."

                                             --Henry David Thoreau

Autumn Scene

"It is a delightful pastime to sit in the pleasant sunshine of autumn,

and gazing from this little spot of free earth over such a landscape,

let the imagination luxuriate amid the thrilling associations of the scene."

                                                   --H.T. Tuckerman

It's Go Time

"Farming looks mighty easy when 

your plow is a pencil and you're a 

thousand miles from the corn field."

                                                --Dwight D. Eishenhower

Reiman Gardens

Located in Ames, on the edge of the Iowa State University campus, Reiman Gardens is 17 acres of beauty.  In addition to the great outdoor collections, this place is also home to a delightful butterfly habitiat -- those winged creatures flitting about will make you pause time after time.  So, before winter arrives, hop in the car and have a look for yourself.  I'm sure you'll leave smiling and feeling inspired.

Football & Festivities

In communities throughout Iowa, this is a common fall scene as football is in full swing and Homecoming festivities add extra pomp and circumstance to a designated week.  For many schools, this includes a parade, "the big game," Homecoming royalty and a dance as well as many other daily goings-on.  In the photo below, the Grand Marshall of the parade (my mother -- congrats to her) leads the band on the route through town.

PLEASE note:  starting this week my blog will have new posts on Mondays and Thursdays.  Many thanks to all you loyal followers.  And, feel free to leave comments -- love to hear from you.

Whirling at Dusk

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need,

but not every man's greed."

                                                                   --Mahatma Gandhi

octubre

"Bittersweet October.

The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause

between the opposing miseries of summer and winter."

                                                                                           --Carol Bishop Hipps

Beautifully Simple

 "The ideal of beauty is simplicity and tranquility."

                                                              --Goethe

Nature Unites

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

                                       --William Shakespere

La Luna Llena

"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles...

by the ears, by the heels,or any other way you can manage it."

                                                                                                --Mark Twain

All in a Row

"I dream of wayward gulls and landless lovers,

rare moments of winter sun, peace, privacy, for everyone."

                                                                    --William F. Claire

An Autumn Welcome

"Autumn carries more gold in its pocket 

than all the other seasons."

                                      --Jim Bishop

Harvest is Here

Just in the past few days farmers in these parts are in the fields harvesting grain.  Some are first going for soybeans while others are starting with corn.  With folks combining crops, the sun setting earlier and a few leaves turning colors, it sure is beginning to feel like autumn in Iowa.

A Fall Tradition

In these parts of Iowa school has been underway for a few weeks and fall sports are in full swing.  A long-time tradition during this time of the year is the annual 'homecoming' celebration which culminates with a football game on Friday night and usually a student dance the following evening.  Throughout the week of festivities, most high schools have several other related events, including a parade.  This photo features a 'float' organized by mothers of the senior football players and some of those women can be seen riding on the structure during the parade.

They're Back

Fun on Friday

                   

Wondering what this photo is all about?  The answer is fake teeth that obviously appear in terrible condition.  The fun part is giving a set to each of my nieces and nephews and all of us parading around laughing at how crazy we look.  And yes, after all the fun, I collect them and do my best to clean/sterilize the plastic dentures so we can soon get them out again and have another round of laughs.